Monday, June 20, 2005
THE ULTIMATE JOY
THE ULTIMATE JOY
Contributed by Melanie Schurr
"Joy is not in things; it is in us." -Benjamin Franklin
What is joy but a gladness of heart!
True joy cannot be found in material items or circumstances that may cause a transient smile, such as being on a wonderful vacation or winning the lottery. True joy is internal, not derived from external forces.
How can this be? What great power or force could touch an individual so profoundly that it could replace sadness and discontent with joy and peace?
The answer is God.
You see, true joy comes directly from the hand of God because He alone, is Love in its purest form and in genuine love there is joy.
Think for a moment of when you were a child. You lay cradled in your mother's arms, warm, soft, cared for, well loved, and fully nurtured. In her arms, you were safe from all external forces. Close to her breast was your home.
In like manner, our heavenly Father has this special gift to offer those who call on Him in love and sincerity. His Son's victory over death allows us the most profound joy because even though, in our earthy forms, we may face sickness, hardships, even death, nothing can pull us away from His arms or from the salvation He has promised us!
You have not known true joy until you have experienced the heartfelt touch of God! Call on Him today.
Contributed by Melanie Schurr
"Joy is not in things; it is in us." -Benjamin Franklin
What is joy but a gladness of heart!
True joy cannot be found in material items or circumstances that may cause a transient smile, such as being on a wonderful vacation or winning the lottery. True joy is internal, not derived from external forces.
How can this be? What great power or force could touch an individual so profoundly that it could replace sadness and discontent with joy and peace?
The answer is God.
You see, true joy comes directly from the hand of God because He alone, is Love in its purest form and in genuine love there is joy.
Think for a moment of when you were a child. You lay cradled in your mother's arms, warm, soft, cared for, well loved, and fully nurtured. In her arms, you were safe from all external forces. Close to her breast was your home.
In like manner, our heavenly Father has this special gift to offer those who call on Him in love and sincerity. His Son's victory over death allows us the most profound joy because even though, in our earthy forms, we may face sickness, hardships, even death, nothing can pull us away from His arms or from the salvation He has promised us!
You have not known true joy until you have experienced the heartfelt touch of God! Call on Him today.
DO I RESEMBLE THE LIVING GOD?
Copyright 2005 by Connie Giordano
>From the foundation of the world, God designed that we would walk and live as Jesus did. With each new day, we are systematically conforming to the image of Jesus or the image of Satan. Which one? It all depends on which realm we find ourselves - the realm of the Spirit or the realm of the flesh. Let's use this message as a criterion or spiritual test to determine to what extent we resemble Jesus and how far we still have to go in reaching this goal.
Romans 8:29 says - "For whom He did foreknow, He also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren."
"Conformed to the image of His Son" - This is God's perfect plan, design, and destiny for all of mankind who will be saved. The Lord Jesus is the pattern and sampler for all to imitate and follow.
Day by day, through the influence of the Word of God and His immeasurable grace, the Holy Spirit strives to accomplish this great task in each one of us. This is His sole project. With every circumstance, act of Providence, relationship, trial and season of affliction, miracle, and portion of grace poured out upon the sons and daughters of God - He works to this end.
Many journeys in our Christian walk do not make sense until we read Romans 8:29 and realize that in spite of our clouded understanding and bewilderment as to which direction God is taking us or why things are happening as such, He is busy at work in each one of us. He has one goal and aim in mind. Everything that transpires in our lives happens for one reason and one reason alone - to bring us into conformity to the image and likeness of God's Son - to make us more like Jesus.
But how do we measure up in this plan of God? Are we as sanctified as we suppose and claim? What exactly is the image of Jesus and what does it entail? How does a person act who is conformed to this Glorious image?
Let's examine some characteristics of the Lord Jesus as exemplified so beautifully and completely in the Holy Scriptures and see how we compare -
1. Lovely
Song of Solomon 5:16 - "...yea, He is altogether lovely..."
The Lord Jesus is truly and wholly lovely. That is why we long for Him. He is all that we could ever desire.
2. Holy
Luke 1:35 - " And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God."
Acts 4:27 - "...Thy holy child Jesus, Whom Thou hast anointed..."
Revelation 3:7 - "...These things saith He that is holy..."
Holiness dwells within the Living Son of God. It is His nature. From Him, all holiness is derived.
3. Righteous and Just
Isaiah 53:11 - "...by His knowledge shall My righteous servant justify many..."
Hebrews 1:9 - "Thou hast loved righteousness, and hated iniquity..."
Isaiah 11:5 - "And righteousness shall be the girdle of His loins..."
Zechariah 9:9 - "...behold, thy King cometh unto thee: He is just..."
John 5:30 - "...My judgment is just; because I seek not Mine own will..."
Acts 22:14 - "...The God of our fathers hath chosen thee, that thou shouldest know His will, and see that Just One..."
The Lord Jesus is the Righteous Lord Who makes many righteous. He is perfectly holy, upright, and undefiled. He came to fulfill all righteousness; His sceptre is a sceptre of righteousness; He is righteous in all His ways. He hates and opposes all sin.
In the Scriptures, this virtue is depicted as a girdle about His loins. As a band girds up the loose, flowing robes before action, even so does His righteousness cling to Him and is the motivation behind His just ways and acts.
He is the Fountain of all righteousness, justice, and holiness.
4. Good
Matthew 19:16 - "And behold, one came and said unto Him, Good Master..."
When this individual came to the Lord Jesus, he honored Him by addressing Him as "Good Master." In a sense, what he was saying was that Jesus was the best of teachers - the most excellent of all. No would could express himself like He did.
5. Faithful
1 Thessalonians 5:24 - "Faithful is He that calleth you, Who also will do it."
Sanctification is a work of grace. God began this good work, and He will be sure to complete it.
6. True
John 1:14 - "And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth."
John 7:18 - "...but He that seeketh His glory that sent Him, the same is true, and no unrighteousness is in Him."
Jesus is the Truth. In Him is no lie or falsehood. At all times, He declared the Truth with simplicity and great plainness of speech to those who had an ear to hear.
Unlike the deceivers of His day and of our modern day, He did not seek His own glory. This very act verified Him as a true Teacher sent from God. He came to promote His Father's Glory and to provoke all men to love and obey Him.
7. Guileless
Isaiah 53:9 - "...because He had done no violence, neither was any deceit in His mouth."
1 Peter 2:22 - "Who did no sin, neither was guile found in His mouth."
Christ was always truthful. He never offended another in word or in deed through deceit, trickery, betrayal, hypocrisy, or insincerity.
8. Sinless
John 8:46 - "Which of you convinceth Me of sin?..."
2 Corinthians 5:21 - "For He hath made Him to be sin for us, Who knew no sin..."
No one could ever convict Him of any sin or prove Him guilty of any wrongdoing. He was a total stranger to sin. His heart and mind were entirely pure.
9. Spotless
1 Peter 1:19 - "But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot."
The Lamb of God was in no way tainted by the world. He was perfectly pure.
10. Innocent
Matthew 27:4 - "...I have sinned in that I have betrayed the innocent blood..."
Judas, the betrayer, recognized that Jesus had done no wrong - He was innocent.
11. Harmless
Hebrews 7:26 - "For such an high priest became us, Who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners..."
Never did this High Priest ever injure another's person, property, or name.
12. Obedient
Psalm 40:8 - "I delight to do Thy will, O my God..."
John 4:34 - "Jesus saith unto them, My meat is to do the will of Him that sent Me, and to finish His work."
John 15:10 - "If ye keep My commandments, ye shall abide in My love; even as I have kept My Father's commandments, and abide in His love."
Luke 2:49 - "And He said unto them, How is it that ye sought Me? wist ye not that I must be about My Father's business?"
He made it His main business and great objective while on earth to do the will of His Father which was to make atonement for the sins of mankind. He did not veer to the right hand or to the left at any time.
13. Zealous
John 2:17 - "And His disciples remembered that it was written, The zeal of Thine house hath eaten me up."
John 8:29 - "And He that sent Me is with Me: the Father hath not left Me alone; for I do always those things that please Him."
He had an intense passion to see men worship the Father in spirit and in truth.
14. Meek
Isaiah 53:7 - "He was oppressed, and He was afflicted, yet He opened not His mouth: He is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so He openeth not His mouth."
Although He was hard pressed and ill treated, He suffered it patiently. He never complained or defended Himself.
15. Lowly
Zechariah 9:9 - "...behold, thy King cometh unto thee: He is just, and having salvation; lowly..."
Matthew 11:29 - "Take My yoke upon you, and learn of Me; for I am meek and lowly in heart..."
Pride in one's heart makes a person so unlike Christ. He is the total opposite - mild, gentle, tender, humble, poor and afflicted - never harsh or overbearing.
16. Merciful
Hebrews 2:17 - "Wherefore in all things it behooved Him to be made like unto His brethren, that He might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God..."
He was the perfect candidate to be our Great High Priest because He is so compassionate. He is easily moved by our weaknesses and infirmities.
17. Patient
Matthew 27:14 - "And He answered him to never a word; insomuch that the governor marvelled greatly."
When He stood before His vicious accusers, He said nothing. Pilate marvelled at His silence for he knew how quick most men are to defend themselves.
18. Longsuffering
1 Timothy 1:16 - "Howbeit for this cause I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ night show forth all longsuffering, for a pattern to them which should hereafter believe on Him to life everlasting."
The Lord Jesus demonstrated utmost forbearance with Saul, the murderous Pharisee, who persecuted His precious Blood-bought people.
19. Compassionate
Isaiah 40:11 - "He shall feed His flock like a shepherd: He shall gather the lambs with His arm, and carry them in His bosom, and shall gently lead those that are with young."
Luke 19:41 - "And when He was come near, He beheld the city, and wept over it."
He is the Good Shepherd Who cares so tenderly for His sheep. He is especially mindful of those who are young, feeble, weak, weary, exhausted, sick, and faint.
Even though Jerusalem was indeed guilty of rejecting Him, He still wept out of pity for this Godforsaken city about to face total ruin.
20. Benevolent
Matthew 4:23 - "...and healing all manner of sickness and all manner of disease among the people."
Acts 10:38 - "How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: Who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil..."
God is a Good God. He is in the business of doing good to all - healing and delivering all who are tormented by the devil.
21. Loving
John 13:1 - "...having loved His own which were in the world, He loved them unto the end."
John 15:13 - "Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends."
Despite the many weaknesses and shortcomings in His disciples, He loved them constantly and continuously. He never changed His feelings toward them.
He even loved the bitterest of foes who mocked and scorned Him. Their rejection of Him as Messiah and Lord of all didn't stop Him from laying down His life for them as well.
22. Self-denying
Matthew 8:20 - "And Jesus saith unto him, The foxes have holes, and the birds of the air have nests; but the Son of man hath not where to lay His head."
2 Corinthians 8:9 - "...though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor, that ye through His poverty might be rich."
Despite what many are preaching today, claiming that He was rich, He subjected Himself to abject poverty for our sakes. He did not own a home of His own; He was financially supported by others; He did not have a large savings account or great prosperity. He submitted to a lifestyle of extreme poverty in order to direct our attention to the heavenly wealth that lies ahead in His Father's House and to show us the vanity of worldly wealth.
He sacrificed the great riches of heaven so that we who were so poor and destitute in spirit could become so rich with the spiritual blessings found in Him.
23. Humble
Luke 22:27 - "For whether is greater, he that sitteth at meat, or he that serveth? is not he that sitteth at meat? but I am among you as He that serveth."
Philippians 2:8 - "And being found in fashion as a man, He humbled Himself..."
When He came to earth, He laid aside His Glory. He humbled Himself by becoming a man - obedient unto death. His entire life reflected characteristics of humility, poverty, submission, simplicity, and modesty.
24. Resigned
Luke 22:42 - "Saying, Father, if Thou be willing, remove this cup from Me: nevertheless, not My will, but Thine, be done."
No matter how hard it was against His flesh - He submitted himself to the Father's Will.
25. Forgiving
Luke 23:34 - "Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do..."
In the midst of those who were most intent on killing Him, He made intercession for them. He begged the Father to pardon them - reminding Him that they did it all through ignorance.
"Conformed to the image of His Son" - Are we?
Are we
...lovely, holy, righteous, faithful, true, and just in all our ways?
...undefiled - without blemish or spot?
...innocent - injuring no one?
...obedient, zealous of God's Glory, or do we still seek our own glory?
...meek, lowly, compassionate, merciful, patient, and longsuffering in our dealings with others?
...constant or fickle in our love for others?
Is there any guile or deceit in our mouths?
Do we go about doing good for all?
Have we made ourselves "poor" so that others may be "rich" spiritually?
Do we sacrifice in this life so that others may enjoy the blessings of God, too?
Have we humbled ourselves and become servants to God and men...resigned ourselves to the Will of God no matter how hard it may be on our flesh?
Lastly, can we forgive others - yes, even our enemies - who have so wrongfully treated us?
More and more with each new day, we should be resembling the Living Son of God. This is God's purpose and plan for our lives.
It will happen by His grace and through the power of His Holy Spirit.
The characteristics of Jesus will become ours.
We will increasingly look more and more like Him.
At least, that should be our Daily Goal.
May God Bless His Word.
Connie
>From the foundation of the world, God designed that we would walk and live as Jesus did. With each new day, we are systematically conforming to the image of Jesus or the image of Satan. Which one? It all depends on which realm we find ourselves - the realm of the Spirit or the realm of the flesh. Let's use this message as a criterion or spiritual test to determine to what extent we resemble Jesus and how far we still have to go in reaching this goal.
Romans 8:29 says - "For whom He did foreknow, He also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren."
"Conformed to the image of His Son" - This is God's perfect plan, design, and destiny for all of mankind who will be saved. The Lord Jesus is the pattern and sampler for all to imitate and follow.
Day by day, through the influence of the Word of God and His immeasurable grace, the Holy Spirit strives to accomplish this great task in each one of us. This is His sole project. With every circumstance, act of Providence, relationship, trial and season of affliction, miracle, and portion of grace poured out upon the sons and daughters of God - He works to this end.
Many journeys in our Christian walk do not make sense until we read Romans 8:29 and realize that in spite of our clouded understanding and bewilderment as to which direction God is taking us or why things are happening as such, He is busy at work in each one of us. He has one goal and aim in mind. Everything that transpires in our lives happens for one reason and one reason alone - to bring us into conformity to the image and likeness of God's Son - to make us more like Jesus.
But how do we measure up in this plan of God? Are we as sanctified as we suppose and claim? What exactly is the image of Jesus and what does it entail? How does a person act who is conformed to this Glorious image?
Let's examine some characteristics of the Lord Jesus as exemplified so beautifully and completely in the Holy Scriptures and see how we compare -
1. Lovely
Song of Solomon 5:16 - "...yea, He is altogether lovely..."
The Lord Jesus is truly and wholly lovely. That is why we long for Him. He is all that we could ever desire.
2. Holy
Luke 1:35 - " And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God."
Acts 4:27 - "...Thy holy child Jesus, Whom Thou hast anointed..."
Revelation 3:7 - "...These things saith He that is holy..."
Holiness dwells within the Living Son of God. It is His nature. From Him, all holiness is derived.
3. Righteous and Just
Isaiah 53:11 - "...by His knowledge shall My righteous servant justify many..."
Hebrews 1:9 - "Thou hast loved righteousness, and hated iniquity..."
Isaiah 11:5 - "And righteousness shall be the girdle of His loins..."
Zechariah 9:9 - "...behold, thy King cometh unto thee: He is just..."
John 5:30 - "...My judgment is just; because I seek not Mine own will..."
Acts 22:14 - "...The God of our fathers hath chosen thee, that thou shouldest know His will, and see that Just One..."
The Lord Jesus is the Righteous Lord Who makes many righteous. He is perfectly holy, upright, and undefiled. He came to fulfill all righteousness; His sceptre is a sceptre of righteousness; He is righteous in all His ways. He hates and opposes all sin.
In the Scriptures, this virtue is depicted as a girdle about His loins. As a band girds up the loose, flowing robes before action, even so does His righteousness cling to Him and is the motivation behind His just ways and acts.
He is the Fountain of all righteousness, justice, and holiness.
4. Good
Matthew 19:16 - "And behold, one came and said unto Him, Good Master..."
When this individual came to the Lord Jesus, he honored Him by addressing Him as "Good Master." In a sense, what he was saying was that Jesus was the best of teachers - the most excellent of all. No would could express himself like He did.
5. Faithful
1 Thessalonians 5:24 - "Faithful is He that calleth you, Who also will do it."
Sanctification is a work of grace. God began this good work, and He will be sure to complete it.
6. True
John 1:14 - "And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth."
John 7:18 - "...but He that seeketh His glory that sent Him, the same is true, and no unrighteousness is in Him."
Jesus is the Truth. In Him is no lie or falsehood. At all times, He declared the Truth with simplicity and great plainness of speech to those who had an ear to hear.
Unlike the deceivers of His day and of our modern day, He did not seek His own glory. This very act verified Him as a true Teacher sent from God. He came to promote His Father's Glory and to provoke all men to love and obey Him.
7. Guileless
Isaiah 53:9 - "...because He had done no violence, neither was any deceit in His mouth."
1 Peter 2:22 - "Who did no sin, neither was guile found in His mouth."
Christ was always truthful. He never offended another in word or in deed through deceit, trickery, betrayal, hypocrisy, or insincerity.
8. Sinless
John 8:46 - "Which of you convinceth Me of sin?..."
2 Corinthians 5:21 - "For He hath made Him to be sin for us, Who knew no sin..."
No one could ever convict Him of any sin or prove Him guilty of any wrongdoing. He was a total stranger to sin. His heart and mind were entirely pure.
9. Spotless
1 Peter 1:19 - "But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot."
The Lamb of God was in no way tainted by the world. He was perfectly pure.
10. Innocent
Matthew 27:4 - "...I have sinned in that I have betrayed the innocent blood..."
Judas, the betrayer, recognized that Jesus had done no wrong - He was innocent.
11. Harmless
Hebrews 7:26 - "For such an high priest became us, Who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners..."
Never did this High Priest ever injure another's person, property, or name.
12. Obedient
Psalm 40:8 - "I delight to do Thy will, O my God..."
John 4:34 - "Jesus saith unto them, My meat is to do the will of Him that sent Me, and to finish His work."
John 15:10 - "If ye keep My commandments, ye shall abide in My love; even as I have kept My Father's commandments, and abide in His love."
Luke 2:49 - "And He said unto them, How is it that ye sought Me? wist ye not that I must be about My Father's business?"
He made it His main business and great objective while on earth to do the will of His Father which was to make atonement for the sins of mankind. He did not veer to the right hand or to the left at any time.
13. Zealous
John 2:17 - "And His disciples remembered that it was written, The zeal of Thine house hath eaten me up."
John 8:29 - "And He that sent Me is with Me: the Father hath not left Me alone; for I do always those things that please Him."
He had an intense passion to see men worship the Father in spirit and in truth.
14. Meek
Isaiah 53:7 - "He was oppressed, and He was afflicted, yet He opened not His mouth: He is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so He openeth not His mouth."
Although He was hard pressed and ill treated, He suffered it patiently. He never complained or defended Himself.
15. Lowly
Zechariah 9:9 - "...behold, thy King cometh unto thee: He is just, and having salvation; lowly..."
Matthew 11:29 - "Take My yoke upon you, and learn of Me; for I am meek and lowly in heart..."
Pride in one's heart makes a person so unlike Christ. He is the total opposite - mild, gentle, tender, humble, poor and afflicted - never harsh or overbearing.
16. Merciful
Hebrews 2:17 - "Wherefore in all things it behooved Him to be made like unto His brethren, that He might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God..."
He was the perfect candidate to be our Great High Priest because He is so compassionate. He is easily moved by our weaknesses and infirmities.
17. Patient
Matthew 27:14 - "And He answered him to never a word; insomuch that the governor marvelled greatly."
When He stood before His vicious accusers, He said nothing. Pilate marvelled at His silence for he knew how quick most men are to defend themselves.
18. Longsuffering
1 Timothy 1:16 - "Howbeit for this cause I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ night show forth all longsuffering, for a pattern to them which should hereafter believe on Him to life everlasting."
The Lord Jesus demonstrated utmost forbearance with Saul, the murderous Pharisee, who persecuted His precious Blood-bought people.
19. Compassionate
Isaiah 40:11 - "He shall feed His flock like a shepherd: He shall gather the lambs with His arm, and carry them in His bosom, and shall gently lead those that are with young."
Luke 19:41 - "And when He was come near, He beheld the city, and wept over it."
He is the Good Shepherd Who cares so tenderly for His sheep. He is especially mindful of those who are young, feeble, weak, weary, exhausted, sick, and faint.
Even though Jerusalem was indeed guilty of rejecting Him, He still wept out of pity for this Godforsaken city about to face total ruin.
20. Benevolent
Matthew 4:23 - "...and healing all manner of sickness and all manner of disease among the people."
Acts 10:38 - "How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: Who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil..."
God is a Good God. He is in the business of doing good to all - healing and delivering all who are tormented by the devil.
21. Loving
John 13:1 - "...having loved His own which were in the world, He loved them unto the end."
John 15:13 - "Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends."
Despite the many weaknesses and shortcomings in His disciples, He loved them constantly and continuously. He never changed His feelings toward them.
He even loved the bitterest of foes who mocked and scorned Him. Their rejection of Him as Messiah and Lord of all didn't stop Him from laying down His life for them as well.
22. Self-denying
Matthew 8:20 - "And Jesus saith unto him, The foxes have holes, and the birds of the air have nests; but the Son of man hath not where to lay His head."
2 Corinthians 8:9 - "...though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor, that ye through His poverty might be rich."
Despite what many are preaching today, claiming that He was rich, He subjected Himself to abject poverty for our sakes. He did not own a home of His own; He was financially supported by others; He did not have a large savings account or great prosperity. He submitted to a lifestyle of extreme poverty in order to direct our attention to the heavenly wealth that lies ahead in His Father's House and to show us the vanity of worldly wealth.
He sacrificed the great riches of heaven so that we who were so poor and destitute in spirit could become so rich with the spiritual blessings found in Him.
23. Humble
Luke 22:27 - "For whether is greater, he that sitteth at meat, or he that serveth? is not he that sitteth at meat? but I am among you as He that serveth."
Philippians 2:8 - "And being found in fashion as a man, He humbled Himself..."
When He came to earth, He laid aside His Glory. He humbled Himself by becoming a man - obedient unto death. His entire life reflected characteristics of humility, poverty, submission, simplicity, and modesty.
24. Resigned
Luke 22:42 - "Saying, Father, if Thou be willing, remove this cup from Me: nevertheless, not My will, but Thine, be done."
No matter how hard it was against His flesh - He submitted himself to the Father's Will.
25. Forgiving
Luke 23:34 - "Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do..."
In the midst of those who were most intent on killing Him, He made intercession for them. He begged the Father to pardon them - reminding Him that they did it all through ignorance.
"Conformed to the image of His Son" - Are we?
Are we
...lovely, holy, righteous, faithful, true, and just in all our ways?
...undefiled - without blemish or spot?
...innocent - injuring no one?
...obedient, zealous of God's Glory, or do we still seek our own glory?
...meek, lowly, compassionate, merciful, patient, and longsuffering in our dealings with others?
...constant or fickle in our love for others?
Is there any guile or deceit in our mouths?
Do we go about doing good for all?
Have we made ourselves "poor" so that others may be "rich" spiritually?
Do we sacrifice in this life so that others may enjoy the blessings of God, too?
Have we humbled ourselves and become servants to God and men...resigned ourselves to the Will of God no matter how hard it may be on our flesh?
Lastly, can we forgive others - yes, even our enemies - who have so wrongfully treated us?
More and more with each new day, we should be resembling the Living Son of God. This is God's purpose and plan for our lives.
It will happen by His grace and through the power of His Holy Spirit.
The characteristics of Jesus will become ours.
We will increasingly look more and more like Him.
At least, that should be our Daily Goal.
May God Bless His Word.
Connie
LAUS DEO!
Author Unknown
I thought that you and others may like to read this. One detail that is not often mentioned, in Washington, D.C., there can never be a building of greater height than the Washington Monument. With all the uproar about removing the ten commandments, etc., this is worth a moment or two of your time. You may not be aware of this historical information. I was not, and I feel certain many others are unaware.
On the aluminum cap, atop the Washington Monument in Washington, D.C., are displayed two words: Laus Deo. No one can see these words. In fact, most visitors to the monument are totally unaware they are even there and for that matter, probably couldn't care less.
Once you know Laus Deo's history, you will want to share this with everyone you know. But these words have been there for many years; they are 555 feet, 5.125 inches high, perched atop the monument, facing skyward to the Father of our nation, overlooking the 69 square miles which comprise the District of Columbia, capital of the United States of America.
Laus Deo! Two seemingly insignificant, un-noticed words. Out of sight and, one might think, out of mind, but very meaningfully placed at the highest point over what is the most powerful city in the most successful nation in the world. So, what do those two words, in Latin, composed of just four syllables and only seven letters, possibly mean? Very simply, they say "Praise be to God!"
Though construction of this giant obelisk began in 1848, when James Polk was President of the United States, it was not until 1888 that the monument was inaugurated and opened to the public. It took twenty-five years to finally cap the memorial with a tribute to the Father of our nation, Laus Deo - "Praise be to God!"
>From atop this magnificent granite and marble structure, visitors may take in the beautiful panoramic view of the city with its division into four major segments. From that vantage point, one can also easily see the original plan of the designer, Pierre Charles l'Enfant...a perfect cross imposed upon the landscape, with the White House to the north. The Jefferson Memorial is to the south, the Capitol to the east, and the Lincoln Memorial to the west.
A cross you ask ? Why a cross? What about separation of church and state? Yes, a cross; separation of church and state was not and is not in the Constitution. So, read on. How interesting and, no doubt, intended to carry a profound meaning for those who bother to notice. "Praise be to God!"
Within the monument itself are 898 steps and 50 landings. As one climbs the steps and pauses at the landings the memorial stones share a message. On the 12th Landing is a prayer offered by the City of Baltimore; on the 20th is a memorial presented by some Chinese Christians; on the 24th a presentation made by Sunday School children from New York and Philadelphia quoting Proverbs 10:7, Luke 18:16 and Proverbs 22:6. "Praise be to God!"
When the cornerstone of the Washington Monument was laid on July 4th, 1848, deposited within it were many items including the Holy Bible presented by the Bible Society. "Praise be to God!" Such was the discipline, the moral direction, and the spiritual mood given by the founder and first President of our unique democracy, "One Nation, Under God."
I am awed by Washington's prayer for America. Have you never read it? Well, if not, now is your unique opportunity, so read on!
"Almighty God: We make our earnest prayer that Thou wilt keep the United States in Thy holy protection; that Thou wilt incline the hearts of the citizens to cultivate a spirit of subordination and obedience to government; and entertain a brotherly affection and love for one another and for their fellow citizens of the United states at large.
And finally, that Thou wilt most graciously be pleased to dispose us all to do justice, to love mercy, and to demean ourselves with that charity, humility, and pacific temper of mind which were the characteristics of the Divine Author of our blessed religion, and without an humble imitation of whose example in these things we can never hope to be a happy nation. Grant our supplication, we beseech Thee, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen."
Laus Deo!
When one stops to observe the inscriptions found in public places all over our nation's capitol, he or she will easily find the signature of God, as it is unmistakably inscribed everywhere you look. You may forget the width and height of "Laus Deo", its location, or the architects, but no one who reads this will be able to forget its meaning, or these words: "Unless the Lord builds the house, its builders labor in vain. Unless the Lord watches over the city, the watchmen stand guard in vain." (Psalm 127: 1)
It is hoped you will send this to every child you know; to every sister, brother, father, mother or friend. They will not find offense, because you have given them a lesson in history that they probably never learned in school. With that, be not ashamed, or afraid, but have pity on those who will never see or understand.
I thought that you and others may like to read this. One detail that is not often mentioned, in Washington, D.C., there can never be a building of greater height than the Washington Monument. With all the uproar about removing the ten commandments, etc., this is worth a moment or two of your time. You may not be aware of this historical information. I was not, and I feel certain many others are unaware.
On the aluminum cap, atop the Washington Monument in Washington, D.C., are displayed two words: Laus Deo. No one can see these words. In fact, most visitors to the monument are totally unaware they are even there and for that matter, probably couldn't care less.
Once you know Laus Deo's history, you will want to share this with everyone you know. But these words have been there for many years; they are 555 feet, 5.125 inches high, perched atop the monument, facing skyward to the Father of our nation, overlooking the 69 square miles which comprise the District of Columbia, capital of the United States of America.
Laus Deo! Two seemingly insignificant, un-noticed words. Out of sight and, one might think, out of mind, but very meaningfully placed at the highest point over what is the most powerful city in the most successful nation in the world. So, what do those two words, in Latin, composed of just four syllables and only seven letters, possibly mean? Very simply, they say "Praise be to God!"
Though construction of this giant obelisk began in 1848, when James Polk was President of the United States, it was not until 1888 that the monument was inaugurated and opened to the public. It took twenty-five years to finally cap the memorial with a tribute to the Father of our nation, Laus Deo - "Praise be to God!"
>From atop this magnificent granite and marble structure, visitors may take in the beautiful panoramic view of the city with its division into four major segments. From that vantage point, one can also easily see the original plan of the designer, Pierre Charles l'Enfant...a perfect cross imposed upon the landscape, with the White House to the north. The Jefferson Memorial is to the south, the Capitol to the east, and the Lincoln Memorial to the west.
A cross you ask ? Why a cross? What about separation of church and state? Yes, a cross; separation of church and state was not and is not in the Constitution. So, read on. How interesting and, no doubt, intended to carry a profound meaning for those who bother to notice. "Praise be to God!"
Within the monument itself are 898 steps and 50 landings. As one climbs the steps and pauses at the landings the memorial stones share a message. On the 12th Landing is a prayer offered by the City of Baltimore; on the 20th is a memorial presented by some Chinese Christians; on the 24th a presentation made by Sunday School children from New York and Philadelphia quoting Proverbs 10:7, Luke 18:16 and Proverbs 22:6. "Praise be to God!"
When the cornerstone of the Washington Monument was laid on July 4th, 1848, deposited within it were many items including the Holy Bible presented by the Bible Society. "Praise be to God!" Such was the discipline, the moral direction, and the spiritual mood given by the founder and first President of our unique democracy, "One Nation, Under God."
I am awed by Washington's prayer for America. Have you never read it? Well, if not, now is your unique opportunity, so read on!
"Almighty God: We make our earnest prayer that Thou wilt keep the United States in Thy holy protection; that Thou wilt incline the hearts of the citizens to cultivate a spirit of subordination and obedience to government; and entertain a brotherly affection and love for one another and for their fellow citizens of the United states at large.
And finally, that Thou wilt most graciously be pleased to dispose us all to do justice, to love mercy, and to demean ourselves with that charity, humility, and pacific temper of mind which were the characteristics of the Divine Author of our blessed religion, and without an humble imitation of whose example in these things we can never hope to be a happy nation. Grant our supplication, we beseech Thee, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen."
Laus Deo!
When one stops to observe the inscriptions found in public places all over our nation's capitol, he or she will easily find the signature of God, as it is unmistakably inscribed everywhere you look. You may forget the width and height of "Laus Deo", its location, or the architects, but no one who reads this will be able to forget its meaning, or these words: "Unless the Lord builds the house, its builders labor in vain. Unless the Lord watches over the city, the watchmen stand guard in vain." (Psalm 127: 1)
It is hoped you will send this to every child you know; to every sister, brother, father, mother or friend. They will not find offense, because you have given them a lesson in history that they probably never learned in school. With that, be not ashamed, or afraid, but have pity on those who will never see or understand.
USE EVERYTHING THAT YOU HAVE... EVERYTHING!
Author Unknown
It's a beautiful day in the park and a young father is pushing his screaming child in his stroller. As the father wheels his infant son along the path, he keeps murmuring. "Easy now, Donald. Just keep calm, Donald. It's all right, Donald. Just relax, Donald. It's going to be all right, Donald..." A woman passes by and says to the young father, "You certainly know how to talk to an upset child quietly and gently." The woman then leans ova: the stroller and coos, "What seems to be the trouble, Donald?" And the father says, "Oh. no, no. He's Henry. I'm Donald!"
A little boy was spending his Saturday morning playing in his sandbox. He had with him his box of cars and trucks, his plastic pail, and a shiny, red plastic shovel. In the process of creating roads and tunnels in the soft sand, he discovered a large rock in the middle of the sandbox. The lad dug around the rock, managing to dislodge it from the dirt. With no little bit of struggle, he pushed and nudged the rock across the sandbox by using his feet. He was a very small boy and the rock was huge. When the boy got the rock to the edge of the sandbox, however, he found that he couldn't roll it up and over the little wall. Determined, the little boy shoved, pushed, and pried, but every time he thought he had made some progress, the rock tipped and then fell back into the sandbox. The little boy grunted, struggled, pushed and shoved, but his only reward was to have the rock roll back, smashing his chubby fingers.
Finally, he burst into tears of frustration. All this time the boy's father watched from his living room window as the drama unfolded. At the moment the tears fell, a large shadow fell across the boy and the sandbox. It was the boy's father. Gently but firmly he said, "Son, why didn't you use all the strength that you had available?" Defeated, the boy sobbed back, "But I did. Daddy, I did! I used all the strength that I had!" "No, son," corrected the father kindly, "You didn't use all the strength you had. You didn't ask me." With that the father reached down, picked up the rock and removed it from the sandbox."
Sound familiar? We all have rocks to move, and we will have some more during this coming year. Let's not talk to ourselves like Donald. We need to go directly to our Father to get the job done. Ask for the wisdom, the patience, the grace to see "the light" even in the darkness. It will be given. It has been promised.
It's a beautiful day in the park and a young father is pushing his screaming child in his stroller. As the father wheels his infant son along the path, he keeps murmuring. "Easy now, Donald. Just keep calm, Donald. It's all right, Donald. Just relax, Donald. It's going to be all right, Donald..." A woman passes by and says to the young father, "You certainly know how to talk to an upset child quietly and gently." The woman then leans ova: the stroller and coos, "What seems to be the trouble, Donald?" And the father says, "Oh. no, no. He's Henry. I'm Donald!"
A little boy was spending his Saturday morning playing in his sandbox. He had with him his box of cars and trucks, his plastic pail, and a shiny, red plastic shovel. In the process of creating roads and tunnels in the soft sand, he discovered a large rock in the middle of the sandbox. The lad dug around the rock, managing to dislodge it from the dirt. With no little bit of struggle, he pushed and nudged the rock across the sandbox by using his feet. He was a very small boy and the rock was huge. When the boy got the rock to the edge of the sandbox, however, he found that he couldn't roll it up and over the little wall. Determined, the little boy shoved, pushed, and pried, but every time he thought he had made some progress, the rock tipped and then fell back into the sandbox. The little boy grunted, struggled, pushed and shoved, but his only reward was to have the rock roll back, smashing his chubby fingers.
Finally, he burst into tears of frustration. All this time the boy's father watched from his living room window as the drama unfolded. At the moment the tears fell, a large shadow fell across the boy and the sandbox. It was the boy's father. Gently but firmly he said, "Son, why didn't you use all the strength that you had available?" Defeated, the boy sobbed back, "But I did. Daddy, I did! I used all the strength that I had!" "No, son," corrected the father kindly, "You didn't use all the strength you had. You didn't ask me." With that the father reached down, picked up the rock and removed it from the sandbox."
Sound familiar? We all have rocks to move, and we will have some more during this coming year. Let's not talk to ourselves like Donald. We need to go directly to our Father to get the job done. Ask for the wisdom, the patience, the grace to see "the light" even in the darkness. It will be given. It has been promised.
THE POWER OF TOUCH
Author Unknown
There once was a little boy who wanted to meet God. He knew it was a long trip to where God lived, so he packed his suitcase with Twinkies and a six-pack of root beer, and he started his journey. When he had gone about three blocks, he met an old woman. She was sitting in the park just staring at some pigeons. The boy sat down next to her and opened his suitcase. He was about to take a drink from his root beer when he noticed that the old lady looked hungry so he offered her a Twinkie.
He gratefully accepted it and smiled at him. Her smile was so pretty that the boy wanted to see it again, so he offered her a root beer. Once again, she smiled at him. The boy was delighted! They sat there all afternoon eating and smiling, but they never said a word. As it grew dark, the boy realized how tired he was and he got up to leave, but before he had gone more than a few steps; he turned around, ran back to the old woman, and gave her a hug. She gave him her biggest smile ever.
When the boy opened the door to his own house a short time later; his mother was surprised by the look of joy on his face. She asked him, "What did you do today that made you so happy?" He replied, "I had lunch with God." But before his mother could respond, he added, "You know what? She's got the most beautiful smile I've ever seen!"
Meanwhile, the old woman, also radiant with joy, returned to her home. Her son was stunned by the look of peace on her face and he asked, "Mother, what did you do today that made you so happy?" She replied, "I ate Twinkies in the park with God." But before her son responded, she added, "You know he's much younger than I expected."
Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, and honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around. People come into our lives for a reason, a season, or a lifetime.
Embrace all equally!
There once was a little boy who wanted to meet God. He knew it was a long trip to where God lived, so he packed his suitcase with Twinkies and a six-pack of root beer, and he started his journey. When he had gone about three blocks, he met an old woman. She was sitting in the park just staring at some pigeons. The boy sat down next to her and opened his suitcase. He was about to take a drink from his root beer when he noticed that the old lady looked hungry so he offered her a Twinkie.
He gratefully accepted it and smiled at him. Her smile was so pretty that the boy wanted to see it again, so he offered her a root beer. Once again, she smiled at him. The boy was delighted! They sat there all afternoon eating and smiling, but they never said a word. As it grew dark, the boy realized how tired he was and he got up to leave, but before he had gone more than a few steps; he turned around, ran back to the old woman, and gave her a hug. She gave him her biggest smile ever.
When the boy opened the door to his own house a short time later; his mother was surprised by the look of joy on his face. She asked him, "What did you do today that made you so happy?" He replied, "I had lunch with God." But before his mother could respond, he added, "You know what? She's got the most beautiful smile I've ever seen!"
Meanwhile, the old woman, also radiant with joy, returned to her home. Her son was stunned by the look of peace on her face and he asked, "Mother, what did you do today that made you so happy?" She replied, "I ate Twinkies in the park with God." But before her son responded, she added, "You know he's much younger than I expected."
Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, and honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around. People come into our lives for a reason, a season, or a lifetime.
Embrace all equally!
THE MATCHLESS PEARL
Author Unknown
David Morse - American missionary to India - became great friends there with the pearl-diver, Rambhau. Many an evening he spent in Rambhau's cabin reading to him from the Bible, and explaining to him God's way of salvation.
Rambhau enjoyed listening to the Word of God, but whenever the missionary tried to get Rambhau to accept Christ as his Savior - he would shake his head and reply, "Your Christian way to heaven is too easy for me! I cannot accept it. If ever I should find admittance to heaven in that manner - I would feel like a pauper there...like a beggar who has been let in out of pity. I may be proud - but I want to deserve, I want to earn my place in heaven -- and so I am going to work for ! it."
Nothing the missionary could say seemed to have any effect on Rambhau's decision, and so quite a few years slipped by. One evening, however, the missionary heard a knock on his door, and on going to open it he found Rambhau there.
"Come in, dear friend," said Morse.
"No," said the pearl-diver. "I want you to come with me to my house, Sahib, for a short time -- I have something to show you. Please do not say 'No'."
"Of course I'll come," replied the missionary. As they neared his house, Rambhau said: "In a week's time I start working for my place in heaven; I am leaving for Delhi -- and I am going there on my knees."
"Man, you are crazy! It's nine hundred miles to Delhi, and the skin will break on your knees, and you will have blood-poisoning or leprosy before you get to Bombay."
"No, I must get to Delhi," affirmed Rambhau, "and the immortals will reward me for it! The suffering will be sweet - for it will purchase heaven for me!"
"Rambhau, my friend - you can't. How can I bear you to do it - when Jesus Christ has suffered and died to purchase heaven for you!"
But the old man could not be moved. "You are my dearest friend on earth, Sahib Morse. Through all these years you have stood by me in sickness, in want - you have been sometimes my only friend. But even you cannot turn me from my ! desire to purchase eternal bliss...I must go to Delhi!"
Inside the hut Morse was seated in the very chair Rambhau had specially built for him - where on so many occasions he had read to him the Bible.
Rambhau left the room to return soon with a small but heavy English strongbox. "I have had this box for years," said he, "and I keep only one thing in it. Now I will tell you about it, Sahib Morse. I once had a son..."
"A son! Why, Rambhau, you have never before said a word about him!"
"No, Sahib, I couldn't." Even as he spoke the diver's eyes were moistened.
"Now I must tell you, for soon I will leave, and who knows whether I shall ever return? My son was a diver too. He was the best pearl diver on the coasts of India. He had the swiftest dive, the keenest eye, the strongest arm, the longest breath of any man who ever sought for pearls.
What joy he brought to me! Most pearls, as you know, have some defect or blemish only the expert can discern, but my boy always dreamed of finding the 'perfect' pearl - one beyond all that was ever found. One day he found it! But even when he saw it - he had been under water too long... That pearl cost him his life, for he died soon after."
The old pearl diver bowed his head. For a moment his whole body shook, but there was no sound. "All these years," he continued, "I have kept this pearl - but now I am going, not to return, and to you, my best friend - I am giving my pearl."
The old man worked the combination on the strongbox and drew from it a ca! refully wrapped package. Gently opening the cotton, he picked up a mammoth pearl and placed it in the hand of the missionary.
It was one of the largest pearls ever found off the coast of India, and glowed with a luster and brilliance never seen in cultured pearls. It would have brought a fabulous sum in any market.
For a moment the missionary was speechless and gazed with awe. "Rambhau! What a pearl!"
"That pearl, Sahib, is perfect," replied the Indian quietly. The missionary looked up quickly with a new thought: Was not this the very opportunity and occasion he had prayed for - to make Rambhau understand the value of Christ's sacrifice? So he said, designedly, "Rambhau, this is a wonderful pearl, an amazing pearl. Let me buy it. I would ! give you ten thousand dollars for it."
"Sahib! What do you mean?"
"Well, I will give you fifteen thousand dollars for it, or if it takes more - I will work for it."
"Sahib," said Rambhau, stiffening his whole body, "this pearl is beyond price. No man in all the world has money enough to pay what this pearl is worth to me. On the market a million dollars could not buy it. I will not sell it to you. You may only have it as a gift."
"No, Rambhau, I cannot accept that. As much as I want the pearl, I cannot accept it that way. Perhaps I am proud, but that is too easy. I must pay for it, or work for it..."
The old pearl-diver was stunned. "You don't understand at all, Sahib. Don't you see. My only son gave his life to get this pearl, and I wouldn't sell it for any money. Its worth is in the life-blood of my son. I cannot sell this - but I can give it to you. Just accept it in token of the love I bear you."
The missionary was choked, and for ! a moment could not speak. Then he gripped the hand of the old man. "Rambhau," he said in a low voice, "don't you see? My words are just what you have been saying to God all the time."
The diver looked long and searchingly at the missionary, and slowly, slowly he began to understand. "God is offering you salvation as a free gift," said the missionary. "It is so great and priceless that no man on earth can buy it. Millions of dollars are too little. No man on earth could earn it. His life would be millions of years too short. No man is good enough to deserve it. It cost God the life-blood of His only Son to make the entrance for you into heaven. In a million years, in a hundred pilgrimages, you could not earn that entrance. All you can do is to accept it as a token of God's love for you - a sinner.
"Rambhau, of course I will accept the pearl in deep humility, praying God that I may be worthy of your love. Rambhau, won't you accept God's great gift of heaven, too, in de! ep humility, knowing it cost Him the death of His Son to offer it to you?"
Great tears were now rolling down the cheeks of the old man. The veil was beginning to lift. "Sahib, I see it now. I have believed in the doctrine of Jesus for the last two years, but I could not believe that His salvation was free. Now I understand. Some things are too priceless to be bought or earned. Sahib, I will accept His salvation!"
David Morse - American missionary to India - became great friends there with the pearl-diver, Rambhau. Many an evening he spent in Rambhau's cabin reading to him from the Bible, and explaining to him God's way of salvation.
Rambhau enjoyed listening to the Word of God, but whenever the missionary tried to get Rambhau to accept Christ as his Savior - he would shake his head and reply, "Your Christian way to heaven is too easy for me! I cannot accept it. If ever I should find admittance to heaven in that manner - I would feel like a pauper there...like a beggar who has been let in out of pity. I may be proud - but I want to deserve, I want to earn my place in heaven -- and so I am going to work for ! it."
Nothing the missionary could say seemed to have any effect on Rambhau's decision, and so quite a few years slipped by. One evening, however, the missionary heard a knock on his door, and on going to open it he found Rambhau there.
"Come in, dear friend," said Morse.
"No," said the pearl-diver. "I want you to come with me to my house, Sahib, for a short time -- I have something to show you. Please do not say 'No'."
"Of course I'll come," replied the missionary. As they neared his house, Rambhau said: "In a week's time I start working for my place in heaven; I am leaving for Delhi -- and I am going there on my knees."
"Man, you are crazy! It's nine hundred miles to Delhi, and the skin will break on your knees, and you will have blood-poisoning or leprosy before you get to Bombay."
"No, I must get to Delhi," affirmed Rambhau, "and the immortals will reward me for it! The suffering will be sweet - for it will purchase heaven for me!"
"Rambhau, my friend - you can't. How can I bear you to do it - when Jesus Christ has suffered and died to purchase heaven for you!"
But the old man could not be moved. "You are my dearest friend on earth, Sahib Morse. Through all these years you have stood by me in sickness, in want - you have been sometimes my only friend. But even you cannot turn me from my ! desire to purchase eternal bliss...I must go to Delhi!"
Inside the hut Morse was seated in the very chair Rambhau had specially built for him - where on so many occasions he had read to him the Bible.
Rambhau left the room to return soon with a small but heavy English strongbox. "I have had this box for years," said he, "and I keep only one thing in it. Now I will tell you about it, Sahib Morse. I once had a son..."
"A son! Why, Rambhau, you have never before said a word about him!"
"No, Sahib, I couldn't." Even as he spoke the diver's eyes were moistened.
"Now I must tell you, for soon I will leave, and who knows whether I shall ever return? My son was a diver too. He was the best pearl diver on the coasts of India. He had the swiftest dive, the keenest eye, the strongest arm, the longest breath of any man who ever sought for pearls.
What joy he brought to me! Most pearls, as you know, have some defect or blemish only the expert can discern, but my boy always dreamed of finding the 'perfect' pearl - one beyond all that was ever found. One day he found it! But even when he saw it - he had been under water too long... That pearl cost him his life, for he died soon after."
The old pearl diver bowed his head. For a moment his whole body shook, but there was no sound. "All these years," he continued, "I have kept this pearl - but now I am going, not to return, and to you, my best friend - I am giving my pearl."
The old man worked the combination on the strongbox and drew from it a ca! refully wrapped package. Gently opening the cotton, he picked up a mammoth pearl and placed it in the hand of the missionary.
It was one of the largest pearls ever found off the coast of India, and glowed with a luster and brilliance never seen in cultured pearls. It would have brought a fabulous sum in any market.
For a moment the missionary was speechless and gazed with awe. "Rambhau! What a pearl!"
"That pearl, Sahib, is perfect," replied the Indian quietly. The missionary looked up quickly with a new thought: Was not this the very opportunity and occasion he had prayed for - to make Rambhau understand the value of Christ's sacrifice? So he said, designedly, "Rambhau, this is a wonderful pearl, an amazing pearl. Let me buy it. I would ! give you ten thousand dollars for it."
"Sahib! What do you mean?"
"Well, I will give you fifteen thousand dollars for it, or if it takes more - I will work for it."
"Sahib," said Rambhau, stiffening his whole body, "this pearl is beyond price. No man in all the world has money enough to pay what this pearl is worth to me. On the market a million dollars could not buy it. I will not sell it to you. You may only have it as a gift."
"No, Rambhau, I cannot accept that. As much as I want the pearl, I cannot accept it that way. Perhaps I am proud, but that is too easy. I must pay for it, or work for it..."
The old pearl-diver was stunned. "You don't understand at all, Sahib. Don't you see. My only son gave his life to get this pearl, and I wouldn't sell it for any money. Its worth is in the life-blood of my son. I cannot sell this - but I can give it to you. Just accept it in token of the love I bear you."
The missionary was choked, and for ! a moment could not speak. Then he gripped the hand of the old man. "Rambhau," he said in a low voice, "don't you see? My words are just what you have been saying to God all the time."
The diver looked long and searchingly at the missionary, and slowly, slowly he began to understand. "God is offering you salvation as a free gift," said the missionary. "It is so great and priceless that no man on earth can buy it. Millions of dollars are too little. No man on earth could earn it. His life would be millions of years too short. No man is good enough to deserve it. It cost God the life-blood of His only Son to make the entrance for you into heaven. In a million years, in a hundred pilgrimages, you could not earn that entrance. All you can do is to accept it as a token of God's love for you - a sinner.
"Rambhau, of course I will accept the pearl in deep humility, praying God that I may be worthy of your love. Rambhau, won't you accept God's great gift of heaven, too, in de! ep humility, knowing it cost Him the death of His Son to offer it to you?"
Great tears were now rolling down the cheeks of the old man. The veil was beginning to lift. "Sahib, I see it now. I have believed in the doctrine of Jesus for the last two years, but I could not believe that His salvation was free. Now I understand. Some things are too priceless to be bought or earned. Sahib, I will accept His salvation!"
IF YOU INSIST ON HAVING YOUR OWN WAY
Contributed by Stephen B. Elmer
Blessed is the man that walketh not in the council of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. But his delight is in the way of the Lord; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper. (Psalm 1:1-3)
A few nights ago, I woke up in the middle of the night with an incomplete sentence of eight words clearly imprinted on my mind: "If you insist on having your own way... ." I wondered what that meant, particularly because I do not think of myself as being that kind of a person. I thought to myself, "I can't even remember when I last insisted on having my own way."
Immediately three disturbing thoughts sprang into my head, one after the other. "What about an argument or a disagreement with someone, like the 'discussion' you had with Belle just a few hours ago? What about willfully and deliberately doing something that you know perfectly well is absolutely wrong, like speeding up at that intersection yesterday when the light turned yellow, instead of coming to a stop, and nearly having a collision as a result? And what about going ahead and doing what you want to do, without considering anyone's wishes or feelings except your own, like the time when you ... ?" "Goodness," I thought, "I insist on having my own way all the time, don't I."
"But wait a minute. Now that I think about it, what's so wrong with that? That's human nature, isn't it? I mean, after all, who else is going to look after our interests and see that we get the things we want, if we don't? In this world, if you don't stand up for yourself and fight for what you want, the way everyone else is doing, you will never get anywhere, and you will be trampled down by the crowd. So what's so wrong with that?"
Even as I raised the question, I could hear the answer. It was not audible, but I could hear it just as clearly as if it were. "If you insist on having your own way... ," and then the rest of that incomplete sentence followed, "you will never know that there is another way that is far superior to yours, which is my way. And you will you never know the incomparable joy, and the absolute victory, and the great excitement, to say nothing of the release from fear and uncertainty, that comes from refusing the temptation to go your own way and to 'do your own thing,' and deliberately choosing to trust me and to go the way that I will show you. If, over and over, in little things and in big things, you habitually choose to live for yourself, sooner or later you will discover that you have chosen the path that inevitably leads to loneliness, bitterness and unhappiness. Ah, but what if you dare to choose my way? Where will that lead? You will never know until, in faith, you choose it."
Blessed is the man that walketh not in the council of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. But his delight is in the way of the Lord; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper. (Psalm 1:1-3)
A few nights ago, I woke up in the middle of the night with an incomplete sentence of eight words clearly imprinted on my mind: "If you insist on having your own way... ." I wondered what that meant, particularly because I do not think of myself as being that kind of a person. I thought to myself, "I can't even remember when I last insisted on having my own way."
Immediately three disturbing thoughts sprang into my head, one after the other. "What about an argument or a disagreement with someone, like the 'discussion' you had with Belle just a few hours ago? What about willfully and deliberately doing something that you know perfectly well is absolutely wrong, like speeding up at that intersection yesterday when the light turned yellow, instead of coming to a stop, and nearly having a collision as a result? And what about going ahead and doing what you want to do, without considering anyone's wishes or feelings except your own, like the time when you ... ?" "Goodness," I thought, "I insist on having my own way all the time, don't I."
"But wait a minute. Now that I think about it, what's so wrong with that? That's human nature, isn't it? I mean, after all, who else is going to look after our interests and see that we get the things we want, if we don't? In this world, if you don't stand up for yourself and fight for what you want, the way everyone else is doing, you will never get anywhere, and you will be trampled down by the crowd. So what's so wrong with that?"
Even as I raised the question, I could hear the answer. It was not audible, but I could hear it just as clearly as if it were. "If you insist on having your own way... ," and then the rest of that incomplete sentence followed, "you will never know that there is another way that is far superior to yours, which is my way. And you will you never know the incomparable joy, and the absolute victory, and the great excitement, to say nothing of the release from fear and uncertainty, that comes from refusing the temptation to go your own way and to 'do your own thing,' and deliberately choosing to trust me and to go the way that I will show you. If, over and over, in little things and in big things, you habitually choose to live for yourself, sooner or later you will discover that you have chosen the path that inevitably leads to loneliness, bitterness and unhappiness. Ah, but what if you dare to choose my way? Where will that lead? You will never know until, in faith, you choose it."
SYMPHONY IN F...
Author Unknown
Most of you will recognize this piece as the story of the 'Prodigal Son' or should I say the 'F'rodigal Son?
Feeling footloose and frisky, a featherbrained fellow forced his father to fork over his farthings. Fast he flew to foreign fields and frittered his family's fortune, feasting fabulously with floozies and faithless friends. Flooded with flattery he financed a full-fledged fling of "funny foam" and fast food.
Fleeced by his fellows in folly, facing famine, and feeling faintly fuzzy, he found himself a feed-flinger in a filthy foreign farmyard. Feeling frail and fairly famished, he fain would have filled his frame with foraged food from the fodder fragments.
"Fooey," he figured, "my father's flunkies fare far fancier," the frazzled fugitive fumed feverishly, facing the facts. Finally, frustrated from failure and filled with foreboding (but following his feelings) he fled from the filthy foreign farmyard.
Faraway, the father focused on the fretful familiar form in the field and flew to him and fondly flung his forearms around the fatigued fugitive. Falling at his father's feet, the fugitive floundered forlornly, "Father, I have flunked and fruitlessly forfeited family favor."
Finally, the faithful Father, forbidding and forestalling further flinching, frantically flagged the flunkies to fetch forth the finest fatling and fix a feast.
Faithfully, the father's first-born was in a fertile field fixing fences while father and fugitive were feeling festive. The foreman felt fantastic as he flashed the fortunate news of a familiar family face that had forsaken fatal foolishness. Forty-four feet from the farmhouse the first-born found a farmhand fixing a fatling.
Frowning and finding fault, he found father and fumed, "Floozies and foam from frittered family funds and you fix a feast following the fugitive's folderol?" The first-born's fury flashed, but fussing was futile. The frugal first-born felt it was fitting to feel "favored" for his faithfulness and fidelity to family, father, and farm. In foolhardy fashion, he faulted the father for failing to furnish a fatling and feast for his friends. His folly was not in feeling fit for feast and fatling for friends; rather his flaw was in his feeling about the fairness of the festival for the found fugitive.
His fundamental fallacy was a fixation on favoritism, not forgiveness. Any focus on feeling "favored" will fester and friction will force the faded facade to fall. Frankly, the father felt the frigid first-born's frugality of forgiveness was formidable and frightful. But the father's former faithful fortitude and fearless forbearance to forgive both fugitive and first-born flourishes.
The farsighted father figured, "Such fidelity is fine, but what forbids fervent festivity for the fugitive that is found? Unfurl the flags and finery, let fun and frolic freely flow. Former failure is forgotten, folly is forsaken. Forgiveness forms the foundation for future fortune."
Four facets of the father's fathomless fondness for faltering fugitives are:
1) Forgiveness
2) Forever faithful friendship
3) Fadeless love, and
4) A facility for forgetting flaws
Fortuitous Felicitations
Most of you will recognize this piece as the story of the 'Prodigal Son' or should I say the 'F'rodigal Son?
Feeling footloose and frisky, a featherbrained fellow forced his father to fork over his farthings. Fast he flew to foreign fields and frittered his family's fortune, feasting fabulously with floozies and faithless friends. Flooded with flattery he financed a full-fledged fling of "funny foam" and fast food.
Fleeced by his fellows in folly, facing famine, and feeling faintly fuzzy, he found himself a feed-flinger in a filthy foreign farmyard. Feeling frail and fairly famished, he fain would have filled his frame with foraged food from the fodder fragments.
"Fooey," he figured, "my father's flunkies fare far fancier," the frazzled fugitive fumed feverishly, facing the facts. Finally, frustrated from failure and filled with foreboding (but following his feelings) he fled from the filthy foreign farmyard.
Faraway, the father focused on the fretful familiar form in the field and flew to him and fondly flung his forearms around the fatigued fugitive. Falling at his father's feet, the fugitive floundered forlornly, "Father, I have flunked and fruitlessly forfeited family favor."
Finally, the faithful Father, forbidding and forestalling further flinching, frantically flagged the flunkies to fetch forth the finest fatling and fix a feast.
Faithfully, the father's first-born was in a fertile field fixing fences while father and fugitive were feeling festive. The foreman felt fantastic as he flashed the fortunate news of a familiar family face that had forsaken fatal foolishness. Forty-four feet from the farmhouse the first-born found a farmhand fixing a fatling.
Frowning and finding fault, he found father and fumed, "Floozies and foam from frittered family funds and you fix a feast following the fugitive's folderol?" The first-born's fury flashed, but fussing was futile. The frugal first-born felt it was fitting to feel "favored" for his faithfulness and fidelity to family, father, and farm. In foolhardy fashion, he faulted the father for failing to furnish a fatling and feast for his friends. His folly was not in feeling fit for feast and fatling for friends; rather his flaw was in his feeling about the fairness of the festival for the found fugitive.
His fundamental fallacy was a fixation on favoritism, not forgiveness. Any focus on feeling "favored" will fester and friction will force the faded facade to fall. Frankly, the father felt the frigid first-born's frugality of forgiveness was formidable and frightful. But the father's former faithful fortitude and fearless forbearance to forgive both fugitive and first-born flourishes.
The farsighted father figured, "Such fidelity is fine, but what forbids fervent festivity for the fugitive that is found? Unfurl the flags and finery, let fun and frolic freely flow. Former failure is forgotten, folly is forsaken. Forgiveness forms the foundation for future fortune."
Four facets of the father's fathomless fondness for faltering fugitives are:
1) Forgiveness
2) Forever faithful friendship
3) Fadeless love, and
4) A facility for forgetting flaws
Fortuitous Felicitations
HEALING OF THE HEART
Shared by Joe Gatuslao
Misty's stormy years as a teenager had taken their back toll. Now twenty three, she still couldn't get over the stigma of being the "black sheep" in the family. Harsh words and unkind actions by both daughter and parents left scars, threatening never to heal.
Misty had become a Christian and changed her life, but the black sheep stigma still remained. Each time she saw her parents or talked with them by phone, her hurts returned. Although her mother and father said they loved her and were proud of her, the angered and injured feelings wouldn't leave.
"My parents tell me they love me," she pondered. "They say they forgave me for the past. They even ask me to forgive them." Misty couldn't understand why the pain could not leave.
Finally, she took it to the Lord in serious prayer. She looked up Scriptures on God healing those in pain. Misty began praying God would heal her wounds. She asked Him to help her forgive her parents for their unkind words and deeds. Whenever the pain tried to return, she returned to the Lord and left it with Him.
How could she make everything up to them? Misty would buy everything in the world, if that would help. God spoke to her again. He touched Misty's wounded soul. He reminded her that her mother and father had already forgiven her. Now, God asked Misty to take the final step. She must forgive herself.
Tears flowed. Cleansing confession poured out from Misty to her Saviour. She finally turned to her inner self and forgave. The transformation and healing were complete. Misty felt the peace she longed to feel for so long.
From then on, phone calls with Mom and Dad warmed her heart. She really wasn't the black sheep. Instead, she had been the little wounded lamb. Now, Jesus, the real Lamb of God, healed and made her happy and whole.
PRAYER
"DEAR LORD, You commanded us to love one another. I asked You to help me forgive those who have hurt me, especially my dear ones in life. Regardless of whether it was intentional, unintentional, slight, severe or inexcusable, I put them all into your hands because "Your yoke is easy and Your burden is light." I don't know how You'll work in my life but I trust in You unconditionally. Enlighten my mind with the truth, so I may realize what has caused the strain in our relationship. If there is any pride, selfishness or misunderstanding on my part, please reveal it to me and soften my heart so I can set it right. Jesus, You are the Prince of Peace; I know that Your healing presence is with me right now. Make me start this year by forgiving those who have hurt me and loving them for Your sake."
Misty's stormy years as a teenager had taken their back toll. Now twenty three, she still couldn't get over the stigma of being the "black sheep" in the family. Harsh words and unkind actions by both daughter and parents left scars, threatening never to heal.
Misty had become a Christian and changed her life, but the black sheep stigma still remained. Each time she saw her parents or talked with them by phone, her hurts returned. Although her mother and father said they loved her and were proud of her, the angered and injured feelings wouldn't leave.
"My parents tell me they love me," she pondered. "They say they forgave me for the past. They even ask me to forgive them." Misty couldn't understand why the pain could not leave.
Finally, she took it to the Lord in serious prayer. She looked up Scriptures on God healing those in pain. Misty began praying God would heal her wounds. She asked Him to help her forgive her parents for their unkind words and deeds. Whenever the pain tried to return, she returned to the Lord and left it with Him.
How could she make everything up to them? Misty would buy everything in the world, if that would help. God spoke to her again. He touched Misty's wounded soul. He reminded her that her mother and father had already forgiven her. Now, God asked Misty to take the final step. She must forgive herself.
Tears flowed. Cleansing confession poured out from Misty to her Saviour. She finally turned to her inner self and forgave. The transformation and healing were complete. Misty felt the peace she longed to feel for so long.
From then on, phone calls with Mom and Dad warmed her heart. She really wasn't the black sheep. Instead, she had been the little wounded lamb. Now, Jesus, the real Lamb of God, healed and made her happy and whole.
PRAYER
"DEAR LORD, You commanded us to love one another. I asked You to help me forgive those who have hurt me, especially my dear ones in life. Regardless of whether it was intentional, unintentional, slight, severe or inexcusable, I put them all into your hands because "Your yoke is easy and Your burden is light." I don't know how You'll work in my life but I trust in You unconditionally. Enlighten my mind with the truth, so I may realize what has caused the strain in our relationship. If there is any pride, selfishness or misunderstanding on my part, please reveal it to me and soften my heart so I can set it right. Jesus, You are the Prince of Peace; I know that Your healing presence is with me right now. Make me start this year by forgiving those who have hurt me and loving them for Your sake."
TWO BOXES
By Barb J'ski
I have in my hands two boxes,
Which God gave me to hold.
He said, "Put all your sorrows in the black box,
And all your joys in the gold."
I heeded His words, and in the two boxes,
Both my joys and sorrows I stored,
But though the gold became heavier each day,
The black was as light as before.
With curiosity, I opened the black,
I wanted to find out why,
And I saw, in the base of the box, a hole,
Which my sorrows had fallen out by.
I showed the hole to God, and mused,
"I wonder where my sorrows could be!"
He smiled a gentle smile and said,
"My child, they're all here with me."
I asked God, why He gave me the boxes,
Why the gold and the black with the hole?
"My child, the gold is for you to count your blessings,
The black is for you to let go."
We should consider all of our friends a blessing.
Send this to a friend today just to let them know you
are thinking of them and that they are a joy in your life.
A ball is a circle, no beginning, no end.
It keeps us together like our Circle of Friends.
But the treasure inside for you to see,
Is the treasure of friendship you've granted to me.
Today I pass the friendship ball to you.
Pass it on to someone who is a friend to you...
I have in my hands two boxes,
Which God gave me to hold.
He said, "Put all your sorrows in the black box,
And all your joys in the gold."
I heeded His words, and in the two boxes,
Both my joys and sorrows I stored,
But though the gold became heavier each day,
The black was as light as before.
With curiosity, I opened the black,
I wanted to find out why,
And I saw, in the base of the box, a hole,
Which my sorrows had fallen out by.
I showed the hole to God, and mused,
"I wonder where my sorrows could be!"
He smiled a gentle smile and said,
"My child, they're all here with me."
I asked God, why He gave me the boxes,
Why the gold and the black with the hole?
"My child, the gold is for you to count your blessings,
The black is for you to let go."
We should consider all of our friends a blessing.
Send this to a friend today just to let them know you
are thinking of them and that they are a joy in your life.
A ball is a circle, no beginning, no end.
It keeps us together like our Circle of Friends.
But the treasure inside for you to see,
Is the treasure of friendship you've granted to me.
Today I pass the friendship ball to you.
Pass it on to someone who is a friend to you...
THE LORD'S PRAYER
Interpretation by Karel Hoeberechts
OUR FATHER.
To the Creator, who belongs to us, because you gave yourself to us,
your sons and daughters.
You are alive and you exist in a place of great beauty. In a place you
have reserved for Yourself, your angels and all those who were chosen
by You.
We wish to praise and glorify the Name of You, our Lord, Giver of
Life. A Name we worship as Holy and we look upon that Name with the
deepest feelings of respect.
As we glorify and praise You, we wish to be welcomed in the house
where you reside as the head of the Holy Family of all Your disciples.
May we exercise our free will in all human interests with Your purpose
in mind and fulfill Your every desire just as it is done in heaven.
Provide us every day with all we need and be the source of the way we
live.
In addition, don't be angry at us. Give up all your claims to punish
us for our offenses, where we went beyond the limits of what is right
or moral.
Do this at the same time as we give up our vengeful feelings and
desires to punish others who have done us wrong.
Moreover, don't let the excitement of immoral or worldly pleasures
lead us away from You. On the contrary; rescue us from those
situations and from anything that is against Your Will.
So be it!
OUR FATHER.
To the Creator, who belongs to us, because you gave yourself to us,
your sons and daughters.
You are alive and you exist in a place of great beauty. In a place you
have reserved for Yourself, your angels and all those who were chosen
by You.
We wish to praise and glorify the Name of You, our Lord, Giver of
Life. A Name we worship as Holy and we look upon that Name with the
deepest feelings of respect.
As we glorify and praise You, we wish to be welcomed in the house
where you reside as the head of the Holy Family of all Your disciples.
May we exercise our free will in all human interests with Your purpose
in mind and fulfill Your every desire just as it is done in heaven.
Provide us every day with all we need and be the source of the way we
live.
In addition, don't be angry at us. Give up all your claims to punish
us for our offenses, where we went beyond the limits of what is right
or moral.
Do this at the same time as we give up our vengeful feelings and
desires to punish others who have done us wrong.
Moreover, don't let the excitement of immoral or worldly pleasures
lead us away from You. On the contrary; rescue us from those
situations and from anything that is against Your Will.
So be it!
READ C.S. LEWIS
Author Unknown
A newspaper article about C.S. Lewis described the tremendous influence that his writings have had on the lives of believers. When C.S. Lewis died 33 years ago, few noted his passing because it happened the same day that John F. Kennedy was killed, but this month, which marks the centenary of Lewis's birth, the world will celebrate the legacy of the gentle Oxford don.
Children love Lewis for his "Chronicles of Narnia", especially "The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe". Classical scholars laud him for his brilliant grasp of literature. Romantics remember his depiction by Anthony Hopkins in the film, 'Shadowlands'".
The Christian world reveres Lewis for his ability to make persuasive and practical sense of its 2,000-year-old faith. The New York Times called Lewis, "the ideal persuader for the half convinced good man who would like to be a Christian but finds his intellect getting in the way…"
Such a good man is Thomas Monaghan, the founder of Domino Pizza, who recently sold his company for one billion dollars and is giving all the proceeds to build Christian schools across America. In 1988, having just read Lewis's book "Mere Christianity," Monaghan lay awake all night, pondering the great sin of pride. "I realized I had more pride than any other person I know," he confided.
The next morning, he resolved to change his life in what The Wall Street Journal called "an extraordinary renunciation of material assets." On the sale block went Monaghan's helicopter, Bentley and Rolls Royce autos, 190-foot sailboat and his collection of original Frank Lloyd Wright furniture. Nine years later came Domino's itself. At one point, the tycoon began living on bread and water two days a week and stopped working in his $2 million dollar luxury office because it reeked of self importance.
Monaghan is not Lewis's only notable disciple. Two hundred societies have sprung up to celebrate and study him. Hilary Clinton is an enthusiastic admirer, Tom Philips, the former president of Raytheon, still leads a prayer group he founded 25 years ago that he based on Lewis's writings. Charles Colson, the White House aide who was jailed because of his role in the Watergate scandal, credits Lewis for his decision to found The Prison Fellowship Ministry which helps to rehabilitate tens of thousands of inmates every year in prisons worldwide.
What do you think is your next step in the spiritual life? What attitude, habit sin, self-indulgence, pride, covetousness, lust, envy, gluttony, sloth, resentment, and unforgiving stance do we need to let go of? In the spirit of Lent, let us ask ourselves in what part of our life is God calling us to go further than we have before. God has something in store for you. Are you up for it? Perhaps, "Mere Christianity," "The Devil's Advocate," "Surprised by Joy," or another of Lewis's writings will motivate us to take the next step.
A newspaper article about C.S. Lewis described the tremendous influence that his writings have had on the lives of believers. When C.S. Lewis died 33 years ago, few noted his passing because it happened the same day that John F. Kennedy was killed, but this month, which marks the centenary of Lewis's birth, the world will celebrate the legacy of the gentle Oxford don.
Children love Lewis for his "Chronicles of Narnia", especially "The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe". Classical scholars laud him for his brilliant grasp of literature. Romantics remember his depiction by Anthony Hopkins in the film, 'Shadowlands'".
The Christian world reveres Lewis for his ability to make persuasive and practical sense of its 2,000-year-old faith. The New York Times called Lewis, "the ideal persuader for the half convinced good man who would like to be a Christian but finds his intellect getting in the way…"
Such a good man is Thomas Monaghan, the founder of Domino Pizza, who recently sold his company for one billion dollars and is giving all the proceeds to build Christian schools across America. In 1988, having just read Lewis's book "Mere Christianity," Monaghan lay awake all night, pondering the great sin of pride. "I realized I had more pride than any other person I know," he confided.
The next morning, he resolved to change his life in what The Wall Street Journal called "an extraordinary renunciation of material assets." On the sale block went Monaghan's helicopter, Bentley and Rolls Royce autos, 190-foot sailboat and his collection of original Frank Lloyd Wright furniture. Nine years later came Domino's itself. At one point, the tycoon began living on bread and water two days a week and stopped working in his $2 million dollar luxury office because it reeked of self importance.
Monaghan is not Lewis's only notable disciple. Two hundred societies have sprung up to celebrate and study him. Hilary Clinton is an enthusiastic admirer, Tom Philips, the former president of Raytheon, still leads a prayer group he founded 25 years ago that he based on Lewis's writings. Charles Colson, the White House aide who was jailed because of his role in the Watergate scandal, credits Lewis for his decision to found The Prison Fellowship Ministry which helps to rehabilitate tens of thousands of inmates every year in prisons worldwide.
What do you think is your next step in the spiritual life? What attitude, habit sin, self-indulgence, pride, covetousness, lust, envy, gluttony, sloth, resentment, and unforgiving stance do we need to let go of? In the spirit of Lent, let us ask ourselves in what part of our life is God calling us to go further than we have before. God has something in store for you. Are you up for it? Perhaps, "Mere Christianity," "The Devil's Advocate," "Surprised by Joy," or another of Lewis's writings will motivate us to take the next step.
MY FRIEND
From: Ms. Jennifer S. Galit
My friend, I stand in judgement now
And feel that you're to blame somehow;
On earth I walked with you day-by-day
And never did you point the way.
You knew the Lord in truth and glory
But never did you tell the story;
My knowledge then was very dim,
You could have led me straight to Him.
You taught me many things, that's true,
I called you friend and trusted you;
But I learned now that it's too late
And you could have kept me from this fate.
We walked by day and talked by night,
And yet you showed me not the light;
You let me live and love and die,
You knew I'd never live on high
Yes, I called you friend in life
And trusted you in joy and strife;
And yet in coming to this dreadful end,
I cannot call you my friend.
"So you, son of man: I have made you a watchman...therefore you shall hear a word from My mouth and warn them for Me. When I say to the wicked, 'O wicked man, you shall surely die!' and you do not speak to warn the wicked from his way, that wicked man shall die in his iniquity; but his blood I will require at your hand." (Ezekiel 33:7-8)
PRAYER
LOVING FATHER, You are our Rock and our salvation. I ask You to flood my heart with so much love for You and those around me that I wouldn't be able to hold back from sharing Your life and the good news with all my friends and loved ones. Wherever I go, whatever the challenge, I pray that You will be there, guiding me completely as I faithfully lead others to You. Father, by Your grace, bring us all to the place of eternal joy in Jesus' name. Amen.
My friend, I stand in judgement now
And feel that you're to blame somehow;
On earth I walked with you day-by-day
And never did you point the way.
You knew the Lord in truth and glory
But never did you tell the story;
My knowledge then was very dim,
You could have led me straight to Him.
You taught me many things, that's true,
I called you friend and trusted you;
But I learned now that it's too late
And you could have kept me from this fate.
We walked by day and talked by night,
And yet you showed me not the light;
You let me live and love and die,
You knew I'd never live on high
Yes, I called you friend in life
And trusted you in joy and strife;
And yet in coming to this dreadful end,
I cannot call you my friend.
"So you, son of man: I have made you a watchman...therefore you shall hear a word from My mouth and warn them for Me. When I say to the wicked, 'O wicked man, you shall surely die!' and you do not speak to warn the wicked from his way, that wicked man shall die in his iniquity; but his blood I will require at your hand." (Ezekiel 33:7-8)
PRAYER
LOVING FATHER, You are our Rock and our salvation. I ask You to flood my heart with so much love for You and those around me that I wouldn't be able to hold back from sharing Your life and the good news with all my friends and loved ones. Wherever I go, whatever the challenge, I pray that You will be there, guiding me completely as I faithfully lead others to You. Father, by Your grace, bring us all to the place of eternal joy in Jesus' name. Amen.
THE VOICE
THE VOICE
Contributed by Sally I. Kennedy
Jun 20, 2005
He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out..He goes on ahead of
them, and his sheep follow him because they know his voice. John 10:3-4
We were sitting around rehashing ball games, slumber parties, teachers,
and who went steady with whom. Yup, we were getting ready for another
class reunion. How do they come around so often? Every 10 or 20 years
doesn't seem like they ought to crop up so "often!"
The last reunion, I remember thinking that the guys had definitely
changed more than the girls had, especially in the hair department! I
recall looking at the Yearbook picture name tags; how memories came
flooding back.
One thing stands out most in my mind from that reunion. Although most
of our appearances were drastically different from high school days,
one thing had not changed one iota. That was our voices. I discovered I
could identify people when I heard them speak, even if I didn't
recognize them from the way they looked.
How interesting. I thought of what Jesus said: the sheep listen to the
shepherd's voice, and they follow him because they know his voice. They
will never follow a stranger, because they don't recognize his voice.
How great to think that as we listen to the voice of our own shepherd,
Jesus, and follow him, we won't get mis-led or go off in the wrong
direction. He is speaking, and we know His voice. It is Love, and it
never changes. That is good news.
Sally I. Kennedy, ©2005, Author of "52 Little Parables from Ireland"
(Creation House Press) and "Words from the Heart"
http://www.sallyikennedy.com
PRAYER
"Lord Jesus, be the King and Ruler of my heart, mind, life, and home.
May my life reflect your meekness and humility that you may be honored
as the King of glory!"
==============================
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